The document discusses options for retaining the grass at Waikorire/Pilot Bay while preserving the natural environment and open space. It identifies leveling, compacting, and re-instating sprinklers as one option, and using turf pave with kikuyu grass as another potential solution. It also recommends focusing first on improving access and connection to the southern end of the area before making decisions about installing a boardwalk. The conclusion urges considering future generations and retaining the passive, open space character of the recreation reserve to preserve the coast.

1. WAIKORIRE/PILOT BAY
Pave Paradise put up a Boardwalk?

2. Reserves Act 1977 (section 17)
“For the protection of the natural environment and beauty of the
countryside, with emphasis on the retention of open spaces.”
www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1977/0066/latest/DLM444605.html

3. OUR COAST, OUR PLACE
Response Photo taken 2012
Kia Ora Koutou, I have complied this
report requesting ‘the advisory note
that David Stewart, Chairperson’ said
provide us with options on ‘how to
retain Pilot Bay grass’. We were
challenged to come up with possible
solutions to keep the Grass Green and
preserve our place Waikorire/Pilot Bay.
I am no expert so have reviewed the
Council’s historical Management Plan
for the area. Then sought professional
advice and utilised korero from some
of our Group community discussion.
“Polished landscape for tourists
verses environmental and culturally
considered landscape”.

4. OUR COAST, OUR PLACE
Solutions Photo taken 1988
Waikorire/Pilot Bay could be levelled,
compacted, fertilized and grass replaced re-
instatement of the sprinkler system. There
are numerous natural treatments for high
use areas that ensure easy access for the
mobility restricted. Because of the
prevailing winds this area would require a
higher level of on-going maintenance. The
area has been neglected and we have had
one of the driest summers in years, but still
people choose to relax on the grass, picnic,
sunbathe or play games, many family and
friends have been gathering here over the
years.
“We would like to know exactly when the
frequency has happened, before any
further plans are to continue”.

5. OUR COAST, OUR PLACE
Solutions Photo taken 2013
“Another possible solution to the area is the
use of Turf pave with kikuyu, which would
maintain a walk able grass surface.” There
would be certain parameters to this and we
require further information to continue
with this investigation.
This project should be transferred to the
Coastal Reserves review. The project should
be considered as part of the whole
Peninsula. The future for Pilot Bay, how we
want it to look, our objectives, vision for
the roadway, footpath, grass areas, should
all be discussed and understood before
putting a digger on the grass.
VISION – THE MAIN AIM OF PILOT BAY
RESERVE IS TO PROVIDE FOR INTENSIVE
BEACH-SIDE RECREATION.

6. OUR COAST, OUR PLACE
Nau Mai Haere Mai Photo taken 2013 Southern End
We have identified two major areas
that currently have NO ease of access
or connection to the Port Gateway and
Mauao/Mt Maunganui. It is difficult
for any person walking through car
parks and over curbs, there is no flow
and we strongly agree that both these
areas NEED attention, there is a huge
difference between a need and a want.
We do not need a Boardwalk, we want
the grass to be retained and access for
all.
The Southern End in this picture
require immediate attention; let’s
focus on these areas first before any
decisions are made on the Boardwalk.

7. OUR COAST, OUR PLACE
Conclusion Photo taken 1960’s
With further investigation we
could continue to advise Council
with additional solutions. Please
consider our future generations;
this place is for our children’s,
tamariki to enjoy. Let’s retain
what the land is ‘Recreation
Reserve’ the character is passive,
beach side recreation, open
space. To preserve our coast, our
place, our space before it’s gone
forever.
‘Pave Paradise put up a
Boardwalk?’